ASTM D4439-24

Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2024
• ICS: 01.040.59 - Textile and leather technology (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.93 - Editorial and Terminology

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4439-23b - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D5594-18a(2024) - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Vinyl Acetate Content of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM D5594-18a - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Vinyl Acetate Content of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Referred By: ASTM D7274-06A(2018)e1 - Standard Test Method for Mineral Stabilizer Content of Prefabricated Bituminous Geomembranes (PBGMs)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D7557/D7557M-09(2021) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Expanded Polystyrene Geofoam Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D5681-23 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D7852-23 - Standard Practice for Use of an Electrically Conductive Geotextile for Leak Location Surveys
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D8551-24 - Standard Practices for Permanent Monitoring Systems for Electrical Leak Detection and Location
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D7180/D7180M-05(2021) - Standard Guide for Use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Geofoam in Geotechnical Projects
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D7408-12(2020) - Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D8173-23 - Standard Guide for Site Preparation, Layout, Installation, and Hydration of Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D4355/D4355M-21 - Standard Test Method for Deterioration of Geotextiles by Exposure to Light, Moisture, and Heat in a Xenon Arc-Type Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D7466/D7466M-23 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Asperity Height of Textured Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D7177/D7177M-21 - Standard Specification for Air Channel Evaluation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Dual Track Seamed Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D6766-20a - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Hydraulic Properties of Geosynthetic Clay Liners Permeated with Potentially Incompatible Aqueous Solutions
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM D4439-24: Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics provides a comprehensive and consistent vocabulary for professionals in the geosynthetics industry. Established by ASTM International’s Committee D35 on Geosynthetics, this standard serves as a critical reference for manufacturers, engineers, laboratories, regulators, and educators. By defining technical terms in the context of geosynthetics-materials increasingly used in civil engineering for filtration, separation, reinforcement, drainage, and containment-ASTM D4439-24 enables clear communication, specification, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Geosynthetics include a broad family of synthetic products such as geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, geocomposites, and geofoams, each serving specific engineering functions. This terminology standard ensures that all stakeholders use the same definitions, reducing misinterpretation and enhancing the reliability of test results, specifications, and regulatory documents.

Key Topics

• Standardized Vocabulary: Provides authoritative definitions for essential terms such as geotextile, geomembrane, geogrid, geosynthetic barrier, and more, ensuring clarity in technical documentation and communication.
• Referenced Materials and Test Methods: Cites related ASTM standards covering sampling, physical property testing, chemical resistance, seam evaluation, puncture resistance, and other performance parameters.
• Engineering Functions: Clarifies the terminology for the primary roles of geosynthetics-such as separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, barrier, and protection-and their associated performance characteristics.
• Quality Assurance and Specification: Defines critical quality control terms like minimum average roll value (MARV), typical value, lot sample, and laboratory sample, supporting repeatable sourcing and testing processes.
• Measurement and Testing Conditions: Details standardized laboratory conditions (temperature, humidity) and specific reference to test atmospheres to ensure consistent and comparable results across different facilities.

Applications

ASTM D4439-24 is foundational for:

• Product Specification & Procurement: Ensures accurate specification of geosynthetics for construction and environmental projects, supporting clear tenders and procurement processes.
• Research & Quality Control: Provides a consistent language for reporting laboratory and field test results, facilitating meaningful comparisons and quality assurance across manufacturers and laboratories.
• Design & Engineering: Guides design engineers in communicating requirements, performance expectations, and installation best practices using universally understood terminology.
• Regulatory Compliance & Reporting: Assists regulatory bodies and project owners in auditing compliance with environmental and safety standards by referencing standardized definitions.
• Education & Training: Serves as an authoritative reference for developing training materials, technical documentation, manuals, and educational programs in geotechnical and civil engineering.

By promoting uniform terminology, ASTM D4439-24 enables more efficient and effective use of geosynthetics in modern infrastructure, environmental containment, erosion control, roadway construction, landfill liners, and drainage systems.

Related Standards

ASTM D4439-24 is closely linked with several other core geosynthetics standards, including:

• ASTM D4354 – Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
• ASTM D4491/D4491M – Test Methods for Water Permeability of Geotextiles by Permittivity
• ASTM D4632/D4632M – Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles
• ASTM D4595 – Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Method
• ASTM D4751 – Test Methods for Determining Apparent Opening Size of a Geotextile
• ASTM D4873/D4873M – Guide for Identification, Storage, and Handling of Geosynthetic Rolls and Samples
• Federal Standard 751a – Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings

For a full list of referenced standards and detailed definitions, visit the ASTM International website or refer directly to the current edition of ASTM D4439-24.

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Optimized for those seeking ASTM geosynthetics terminology, standardized geosynthetics vocabulary, and geosynthetics standards references for engineering, procurement, testing, and regulatory compliance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4439 − 24
Standard Terminology for
Geosynthetics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4439; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Referenced Documents D5141 Test Method for Determining Filtering Efficiency and
Flow Rate of the Filtration Component of a Sediment
1.1 ASTM Standards:
Retention Device
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
D5262 Test Method for Determining the Unconfined Ten-
gregates
sion Creep and Creep Rupture Behavior of Planar Geo-
D1987 Test Method for Biological Clogging of Geotextile,
synthetics Used for Reinforcement Purposes
Drainage Geocomposites, or Soil/Geotextile Filters
D5322 Practice for Laboratory Immersion Procedures for
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
Evaluating the Chemical Resistance of Geosynthetics to
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
Liquids
D4491/D4491M Test Methods for Water Permeability of
D5323 Practice for Determination of 2 % Secant Modulus
Geotextiles by Permittivity
for Polyethylene Geomembranes
D4533/D4533M Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing
D5397 Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resis-
Strength of Geotextiles
tance of Polyolefin Geomembranes Using Notched Con-
D4594/D4594M Test Method for Effects of Temperature on
stant Tensile Load Test
Stability of Geotextiles
D5494 Test Method for the Determination of Pyramid Punc-
D4595 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by
ture Resistance of Unprotected and Protected Geomem-
the Wide-Width Method
branes
D4632/D4632M Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and
D5496 Practice for In-Field Immersion Testing of Geosyn-
Elongation of Geotextiles
thetics
D4716/D4716M Test Method for Determining the (In-plane)
D5514/D5514M Test Method for Large-Scale Hydrostatic
Flow Rate per Unit Width and Hydraulic Transmissivity
Puncture Testing of Geosynthetics
of a Geosynthetic Using a Constant Head
D5567 Test Method for Hydraulic Conductivity Ratio
D4751 Test Methods for Determining Apparent Opening
(HCR) Testing of Soil/Geotextile Systems
Size of a Geotextile
D5594 Test Method for Determination of the Vinyl Acetate
D4759 Practice for Determining the Specification Confor-
Content of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers by
mance of Geosynthetics
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
D4833/D4833M Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance
D5617 Test Method for Multi-Axial Elongation of Geomem-
of Geomembranes and Related Products
branes
D4873/D4873M Guide for Identification, Storage, and Han-
D5641/D5641M Practice for Geomembrane Seam Evalua-
dling of Geosynthetic Rolls and Samples
tion by Vacuum Chamber
D4884/D4884M Test Method for Strength of Sewn or
D5747/D5747M Practice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical
Bonded Seams of Geotextiles
Resistance of Geomembranes to Liquids
D4885 Test Method for Determining Performance Strength
D5818 Practice for Exposure and Retrieval of Samples to
of Geomembranes by the Wide Strip Tensile Method
Evaluate Installation Damage of Geosynthetics
D5101 Test Method for Measuring the Filtration Compat-
D5820 Practice for Pressurized Air Channel Evaluation of
ibility of Soil-Geotextile Systems
Dual-Seamed Geomembranes
D5994/D5994M Test Method for Measuring Core Thickness
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of D35 on Geosynthetics and is the of Textured Geomembranes
direct responsibility of D35.93 on Editorial and Terminology.
1.2 Federal Standard:
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
Federal Standard 751a Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as D4439 – 23b. DOI:
10.1520/D4439-24.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
the ASTM website. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4439 − 24
2. Terminology compressed thickness (t, (L), mm), n—thickness under a
specified stress applied normal to the material. D4439
absorption, n—the process by which a liquid is drawn into and
constant-rate-of-load tensile testing machine (CRL), n—a
tends to fill permeable pores in a porous solid body, also, the
testing machine in which the rate of increase of the load
increase in mass of a porous solid body resulting from
being applied to the specimen is uniform with time after the
penetration of a liquid into its permeable pores. C125
first 3 s. D4439
aerobic, n—a condition in which a measurable volume of air is
corresponding force, n—synonym for force at specified
present in the incubation chamber or system. D1987
elongation. D4885
anaerobic, n—a condition in which no measurable volume of
coupon, n—a portion of a material or laboratory sample from
air is present in the incubation chamber or system. D1987
which multiple specimens can be taken for testing.
apparent opening size (AOS), O , n—for a geotextile, a
D5747/D5747M
property which indicates the approximate largest particle
creep, n—the time-dependent increase in accumulative strain
that would effectively pass through the geotextile. D4751
in a material resulting from an applied constant force. D5262
atmosphere for testing geosynthetics, n—air maintained at a
critical height (ch), n—the maximum exposed height of a cone
relative humidity between 50 to 70 % and a temperature of
or pyramid that will not cause a puncture failure of a
21 6 2 °C (70 6 4 °F). D4439, D4751, D5494
geosynthetic at a specified hydrostatic pressure for a given
back flushing, n—a process by which liquid is forced in the
period of time. D5514/D5514M
reverse direction to the flow direction. D1987
cross-machine direction, n—the direction in the plane of the
barrier—the ability of a geosynthetic to prevent or reduce
fabric perpendicular to the direction of manufacture.
flow, mass transfer, or both. D4632/D4632M
DISCUSSION—The boundaries for the function are usually defined by
−3 3
density (ρ, (ML ), kg/m ), n—mass per unit volume. D4439
a single or multiple engineering or regulatory thresholds.
design load—the load at which the geosynthetic is required to
basis weight—deprecated term (do not use in the sense of
operate in order to perform its intended function. D5262
mass per unit area). D4439
drainage, n—the ability of a geosynthetic to collect and
bend, vt—in mechanics, to force an object from its natural or
transport fluids along its plane.
manufactured shape into a curve or into increased curvature.
D4439
elastic limit, n—in mechanics, the stress intensity at which
stress and deformation of a material subjected to an increas-
biocide, n—a chemical used to kill bacteria and other
ing force cease to be proportional; the limit of stress within
microorganisms. D1987
which a material will return to its original size and shape
bituminous geosynthetic barrier (GBR-B), n—factory- when the force is removed, and hence, not a permanent set.
D4885
produced structure of geosynthetic materials in the form of a
sheet in which the barrier function is fulfilled by bitumen.
elongation at break, n—the elongation corresponding to the
breaking load, that is, the maximum load. D4632/D4632M
blinding, n—for geotextiles, the condition where soil particles
block the surface openings of the fabric, thereby reducing
failure, n—an arbitrary point beyond which a material ceases
the hydraulic conductivity of the system. D4439
to be functionally capable of its intended use. D4885, D5262
breaking force, (F), J, n—the force at failure. D4885
failure, n—in testing geosynthetics, water or air pressure in the
test vessel at failure of the geosynthetic. D5514/D5514M
breaking load, n—the maximum force applied to a specimen
in a tensile test carried to rupture. D4632/D4632M
field testing, n—testing performed in the field under actual
−1 −2
conditions of temperature and exposure to the fluids for
breaking toughness, T, (FL ), Jm , n—for geotextiles, the
which the immersion testing is being performed. D5496
actual work-to-break per unit surface area of material.
D4595, D4885
fill—deprecated term, see filling.
chemical resistance, n—the ability to resist chemical attack.
filling, n—yarn running from selvage to selvage at right angles
D5322
to the warp in a woven fabric. D4439
clogging, n—for geotextiles, the condition where soil particles
flexible polypropylene, n—a material having a 2 % secant
move into and are retained in the openings of the fabric,
modulus of less than 300 MPa (40 000 psi) as determined by
thereby reducing the hydraulic conductivity. D4439
Practice D5323, produced by polymerization of propylene
with or without other alpha olefin monomers.
clogging potential, n—in geotextiles, the tendency for a given
geotextile to decrease permeability due to soil particles that force at specific elongation, FASE, n—the force associated
have either lodged in the geotextile openings or have built up with a specific elongation on the force-elongation curve.
a restrictive layer on the surface of the geotextile. D5101 D4439
D4439 − 24
force-elongation curve, n—in a tensile test, a graphical geotechnical engineering, n—the engineering application of
representation of the relationship between the magnitude of geotechnics. D4439, D4595
an externally applied force and the change in length of the
geotechnics, n—the application of scientific methods and
specimen in the direction of the applied force. (Synonym for
engineering principles to the acquisition, interpretation, and
stress-strain curve.) D4885
use of knowledge of materials of the earth’s crust to the
geocell, n—a factory-produced, three-dimensional, solution of engineering problems. D4439, D4491/D4491M,
compartmentalized, polymeric structure having discrete cells D4595, D4716/D4716M, D4751
formed by expanding the structure, which are subsequently
geotextile, n—a permeable geosynthetic comprised solely of
filled.
textiles.
geocomposite, n—a product composed of two or more
DISCUSSION—Geotextiles perform several functions in geotechnical
engineering applications, including: separation, filtration, drainage,
materials, at least one of which is a geosynthetic.
reinforcement, and protection. D1987, D4439, D5594
geofoam, n—block or planar rigid cellular foamed polymeric
grab test, n—in fabric testing, a tension test in which only a
material used in geotechnical engineering applications.
part of the width of the specimen is gripped in the clamps.
geogrid, n—a geosynthetic formed by a regular network of
D4632/D4632M
integrally connected elements with apertures greater than
gradient ratio, n—in geotextiles, the ratio of the hydraulic
6.35 mm ( ⁄4 in.) to allow interlocking with surrounding soil,
gradient through a soil-geotextile system to the hydraulic
rock, earth, and other surrounding materials to function
gradient through the soil alone. D5101
primarily as reinforcement. D5262
gravity flow, n—flow in a direction parallel to the plane of a
geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geosynthetic
geotextile or related product driven predominately by a
composed of one or more synthetic sheets. D4439,
difference in elevation between the inlet and outflow points
D4873/D4873M, D4885, D5994/D5994M, D5820
of a specimen. D4716/D4716M
geonet, n—a geosynthetic consisting of integrally connected
head, n—pressure at a point in a liquid, expressed in terms of
parallel sets of ribs overlying similar sets at various angles
the vertical distance of the point below the surface of the
for planar drainage of liquids or gases. D4439
liquid. D4716/D4716M
geostrip—polymeric material in the form of a strip of width
not more than 200 mm (7.87 in.), used in contact with soil or hydraulic conductivity (k), n—the rate of discharge of water
under laminar flow conditions through a unit cross-sectional
other materials in geotechnical and civil engineering
applications, or both. area of a porous medium under a unit hydraulic gradient and
standard temperature conditions (20 °C). D5567
geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from poly-
meric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geotech- hydraulic conductivity ratio (HCR), n—the ratio of the
hydraulic conductivty of the soil/geotextile system, k , at
nical engineering related material as an integral part of a
sg
man-made project, structure, or system. D4354, D4759, any time during the test, to the initial hydraulic conductivity,
k , measured at the beginning of the test (NEW).
D4873/D4873M, D5617, D5818
sgo
geosynthetic barrier—low-permeability geosynthetic hydraulic gradient, i, s (D)—the loss of hydraulic head per
unit distance of flow, dH/dL. D5101
material, used in geotechnical and civil engineering applica-
tions with the purpose of reducing or preventing the flow of
2 −1
hydraulic transmissivity, θ (L T ), n—for a geotextile or
fluid through the construction.
related product, the volumetric flow rate of water per unit
geosynthetic barrier clay (GBR-C), n—factory-produced width of specimen per unit gradient in a direction parallel to
structure of geosynthetic materials in the form of a sheet, in the plane of the specimen. D4716/D4716M
which the barrier function is fulfilled by clay.
hydrostatic pressure, n—a state of stress in which all the
geosynthetic barrier polymeric (GBR-P), n—factory- principal stresses are equal (and there is no shear stress), as
produced structure of geosynthetic materials in the form of a in a liquid at rest; induced artificially by means of a gaged
sheet, in which the barrier function is fulfilled by polymers. pressure system; the product of the unit weight of the liquid
and the difference in elevation between the given point and
geosynthetic cementitious composite mat (GCCM), n—a
the free water elevation. D5514/D5514M
factory-assembled geosynthetic composite consisting of a
cementitious material contained within layer or layers of index test, n—a test procedure which may contain a known
geosynthetic materials that becomes hardened when hy- bias but which may be used to establish an order for a set of
drated. specimens with respect to the property of interest.
D4833/D4833M, D4885
geosynthetic clay liner, n—a manufactured hydraulic barrier
consisting of clay bonded to a layer or layers of geosynthetic inflection point, n—the first point of the force-elongation
materials. curve at which the second derivative equals zero. D4885
D4439 − 24
−1 −1
initial tensile modulus, J (FL ), Nm , n—for geosynthetics, nominal, n—representative value of a measurable property
p
the ratio of the change in force per unit width to the change determined under a set of conditions, by which a product
in elongation of the initial portion of a force-elongation may be described.
curve. D4885
nominal value, n—representative value of a measurable prop-
erty by which a product may be described D4439
in-plane flow, n—fluid flow confined to a direction parallel to
the plane of a geotextile or related product. D4716/D4716M
normal direction, n—for geotextiles, the direction perpendicu
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4439 − 23b D4439 − 24
Standard Terminology for
Geosynthetics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4439; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Referenced Documents
1.1 ASTM Standards:
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
D1987 Test Method for Biological Clogging of Geotextile, Drainage Geocomposites, or Soil/Geotextile Filters
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
D4491/D4491M Test Methods for Water Permeability of Geotextiles by Permittivity
D4533/D4533M Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing Strength of Geotextiles
D4594/D4594M Test Method for Effects of Temperature on Stability of Geotextiles
D4595 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Method
D4632/D4632M Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles
D4716/D4716M Test Method for Determining the (In-plane) Flow Rate per Unit Width and Hydraulic Transmissivity of a
Geosynthetic Using a Constant Head
D4751 Test Methods for Determining Apparent Opening Size of a Geotextile
D4759 Practice for Determining the Specification Conformance of Geosynthetics
D4833/D4833M Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance of Geomembranes and Related Products
D4873/D4873M Guide for Identification, Storage, and Handling of Geosynthetic Rolls and Samples
D4884/D4884M Test Method for Strength of Sewn or Bonded Seams of Geotextiles
D4885 Test Method for Determining Performance Strength of Geomembranes by the Wide Strip Tensile Method
D5101 Test Method for Measuring the Filtration Compatibility of Soil-Geotextile Systems
D5141 Test Method for Determining Filtering Efficiency and Flow Rate of the Filtration Component of a Sediment Retention
Device
D5262 Test Method for Determining the Unconfined Tension Creep and Creep Rupture Behavior of Planar Geosynthetics Used
for Reinforcement Purposes
D5322 Practice for Laboratory Immersion Procedures for Evaluating the Chemical Resistance of Geosynthetics to Liquids
D5323 Practice for Determination of 2 % Secant Modulus for Polyethylene Geomembranes
D5397 Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resistance of Polyolefin Geomembranes Using Notched Constant Tensile
Load Test
D5494 Test Method for the Determination of Pyramid Puncture Resistance of Unprotected and Protected Geomembranes
D5496 Practice for In-Field Immersion Testing of Geosynthetics
D5514/D5514M Test Method for Large-Scale Hydrostatic Puncture Testing of Geosynthetics
D5567 Test Method for Hydraulic Conductivity Ratio (HCR) Testing of Soil/Geotextile Systems
D5594 Test Method for Determination of the Vinyl Acetate Content of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers by Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
D5617 Test Method for Multi-Axial Elongation of Geomembranes
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of D35.93 on Editorial and Terminology.
Current edition approved July 15, 2023Feb. 1, 2024. Published July 2023March 2024. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as
D4439 – 23a.D4439 – 23b. DOI: 10.1520/D4439-23B.10.1520/D4439-24.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4439 − 24
D5641/D5641M Practice for Geomembrane Seam Evaluation by Vacuum Chamber
D5747/D5747M Practice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resistance of Geomembranes to Liquids
D5818 Practice for Exposure and Retrieval of Samples to Evaluate Installation Damage of Geosynthetics
D5820 Practice for Pressurized Air Channel Evaluation of Dual-Seamed Geomembranes
D5994/D5994M Test Method for Measuring Core Thickness of Textured Geomembranes
1.2 Federal Standard:
Federal Standard 751a Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings
2. Terminology
absorption, n—the process by which a liquid is drawn into and tends to fill permeable pores in a porous solid body, also, the
increase in mass of a porous solid body resulting from penetration of a liquid into its permeable pores. C125
aerobic, n—a condition in which a measurable volume of air is present in the incubation chamber or system. D1987
anaerobic, n—a condition in which no measurable volume of air is present in the incubation chamber or system. D1987
apparent opening size (AOS), O , n—for a geotextile, a property which indicates the approximate largest particle that would
effectively pass through the geotextile. D4751
atmosphere for testing geosynthetics, n—air maintained at a relative humidity between 50 to 70 % and a temperature of 21
6 2 °C (70 6 4 °F). D4439, D4751, D5494
back flushing, n—a process by which liquid is forced in the reverse direction to the flow direction. D1987
barrier—the ability of a geosynthetic to prevent or reduce flow, mass transfer, or both.
DISCUSSION—
The boundaries for the function are usually defined by a single or multiple engineering or regulatory thresholds.
basis weight—deprecated term (do not use in the sense of mass per unit area). D4439
bend, vt—in mechanics, to force an object from its natural or manufactured shape into a curve or into increased curvature. D4439
biocide, n—a chemical used to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. D1987
bituminous geosynthetic barrier (GBR-B), n—factory-produced structure of geosynthetic materials in the form of a sheet in
which the barrier function is fulfilled by bitumen.
blinding, n—for geotextiles, the condition where soil particles block the surface openings of the fabric, thereby reducing the
hydraulic conductivity of the system. D4439
breaking force, (F), J,n—the force at failure. D4885
breaking load, n—the maximum force applied to a specimen in a tensile test carried to rupture. D4632/D4632M
−1 −2
breaking toughness, T, (FL ),Jm , n—for geotextiles, the actual work-to-break per unit surface area of material. D4595,
D4885
chemical resistance, n—the ability to resist chemical attack. D5322
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
D4439 − 24
clogging, n—for geotextiles, the condition where soil particles move into and are retained in the openings of the fabric, thereby
reducing the hydraulic conductivity. D4439
clogging potential, n—in geotextiles, the tendency for a given geotextile to decrease permeability due to soil particles that have
either lodged in the geotextile openings or have built up a restrictive layer on the surface of the geotextile. D5101
compressed thickness (t, (L), mm),n—thickness under a specified stress applied normal to the material. D4439
constant-rate-of-load tensile testing machine (CRL), n—a testing machine in which the rate of increase of the load being
applied to the specimen is uniform with time after the first 3 s. D4439
corresponding force, n—synonym for force at specified elongation. D4885
coupon, n—a portion of a material or laboratory sample from which multiple specimens can be taken for testing.
D5747/D5747M
creep, n—the time-dependent increase in accumulative strain in a material resulting from an applied constant force. D5262
critical height (ch),n—the maximum exposed height of a cone or pyramid that will not cause a puncture failure of a geosynthetic
at a specified hydrostatic pressure for a given period of time. D5514/D5514M
cross-machine direction, n—the direction in the plane of the fabric perpendicular to the direction of manufacture.
D4632/D4632M
−3 3
density (ρ, (ML ), kg/m ),n—mass per unit volume. D4439
design load—the load at which the geosynthetic is required to operate in order to perform its intended function. D5262
drainage, n—the ability of a geosynthetic to collect and transport fluids along its plane.
elastic limit, n—in mechanics, the stress intensity at which stress and deformation of a material subjected to an increasing force
cease to be proportional; the limit of stress within which a material will return to its original size and shape when the force is
removed, and hence, not a permanent set. D4885
elongation at break, n—the elongation corresponding to the breaking load, that is, the maximum load. D4632/D4632M
failure, n—an arbitrary point beyond which a material ceases to be functionally capable of its intended use. D4885, D5262
failure, n—in testing geosynthetics, water or air pressure in the test vessel at failure of the geosynthetic. D5514/D5514M
field testing, n—testing performed in the field under actual conditions of temperature and exposure to the fluids for which the
immersion testing is being performed. D5496
fill—deprecated term, see filling.
filling, n—yarn running from selvage to selvage at right angles to the warp in a woven fabric. D4439
D4439 − 24
flexible polypropylene, n—a material having a 2 % secant modulus of less than 300 MPa (40 000 psi) as determined by Practice
D5323, produced by polymerization of propylene with or without other alpha olefin monomers.
force at specific elongation, FASE, n—the force associated with a specific elongation on the force-elongation curve. D4439
force-elongation curve, n—in a tensile test, a graphical representation of the relationship between the magnitude of an
externally applied force and the change in length of the specimen in the direction of the applied force. (Synonym for stress-strain
curve.) D4885
geocell, n—a factory-produced, three-dimensional, compartmentalized, polymeric structure having discrete cells formed by
expanding the structure, which are subsequently filled.
geocomposite, n—a product composed of two or more materials, at least one of which is a geosynthetic.
geofoam, n—block or planar rigid cellular foamed polymeric material used in geotechnical engineering applications.
geogrid, n—a geosynthetic formed by a regular network of integrally connected elements with apertures greater than 6.35 mm
( ⁄4 in.) to allow interlocking with surrounding soil, rock, earth, and other surrounding materials to function primarily as
reinforcement. D5262
geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geosynthetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets. D4439,
D4873/D4873M, D4885, D5994/D5994M, D5820
geonet, n—a geosynthetic consisting of integrally connected parallel sets of ribs overlying similar sets at various angles for
planar drainage of liquids or gases. D4439
geostrip—polymeric material in the form of a strip of width not more than 200 mm (7.87 in.), used in contact with soil or other
materials in geotechnical and civil engineering applications, or both.
geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geotechnical
engineering related material as an integral part of a man-made project, structure, or system. D4354, D4759, D4873/D4873M,
D5617, D5818
geosynthetic barrier—low-permeability geosynthetic material, used in geotechnical and civil engineering applications with the
purpose of reducing or preventing the flow of fluid through the construction.
geosynthetic barrier clay (GBR-C), n—factory-produced structure of geosynthetic materials in the form of a sheet, in which
the barrier function is fulfilled by clay.
geosynthetic barrier polymeric (GBR-P), n—factory-produced structure of geosynthetic materials in the form of a sheet, in
which the barrier function is fulfilled by polymers.
geosynthetic cementitious composite mat (GCCM), n—a factory-assembled geosynthetic composite consisting of a
cementitious material contained within layer or layers of geosynthetic materials that becomes hardened when hydrated.
geosynthetic clay liner, n—a manufactured hydraulic barrier consisting of clay bonded to a layer or layers of geosynthetic
materials.
D4439 − 24
geotechnical engineering, n—the engineering application of geotechnics. D4439, D4595
geotechnics, n—the application of scientific methods and engineering principles to the acquisition, interpretation, and use of
knowledge of materials of the earth’s crust to the solution of engineering problems. D4439, D4491/D4491M, D4595,
D4716/D4716M, D4751
geotextile, n—a permeable geosynthetic comprised solely of textiles.
DISCUSSION—
Geotextiles perform several functions in geotechnical engineering applications, including: separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, and
protection. D1987, D4439, D5594
grab test, n—in fabric testing, a tension test in which only a part of the width of the specimen is gripped in the clamps.
D4632/D4632M
gradient ratio, n—in geotextiles, the ratio of the hydraulic gradient through a soil-geotextile system to the hydraulic gradient
through the soil alone. D5101
gravity flow, n—flow in a direction parallel to the plane of a geotextile or related product driven predominately by a difference
in elevation between the inlet and outflow points of a specimen. D4716/D4716M
head, n—pressure at a point in a liquid, expressed in terms of the vertical distance of the point below the surface of the liquid.
D4716/D4716M
hydraulic conductivity (k),n—the rate of discharge of water under laminar flow conditions through a unit cross-sectional area
of a porous medium under a unit hydraulic gradient and standard temperature conditions (20 °C). D5567
hydraulic conductivity ratio (HCR),n—the ratio of the hydraulic conductivty of the soil/geotextile system, k , at any time
sg
during the test, to the initial hydraulic conductivity, k , measured at the beginning of the test (NEW).
sgo
hydraulic gradient, i, s (D)—the loss of hydraulic head per unit distance of flow, dH/dL. D5101
2 −1
hydraulic transmissivity, θ(L T ),n—for a geotextile or related product, the volumetric flow rate of water per unit width of
specimen per unit gradient in a direction parallel to the plane of the specimen. D4716/D4716M
hydrostatic pressure, n—a state of stress in which all the principal stresses are equal (and there is no shear stress), as in a liquid
at rest; induced artificially by means of a gaged pressure system; the product of the unit weight of the liquid and the difference
in elevation between the given point and the free water elevation. D5514/D5514M
index test, n—a test procedure which may contain a known bias but which may be used to establish an order for a set of
specimens with respect to the property of interest. D4833/D4833M, D4885
inflection point, n—the first point of the force-elongation curve at which the second derivative equals zero. D4885
−1 −1
initial tensile modulus, J (FL ), Nm ,n—for geosynthetics, the ratio of the change in force per unit width to the change in
p
elongation of the initial portion of a force-elongation curve. D4885
in-plane flow, n—fluid flow confined to a direction parallel to the plane of a geotextile or related product. D4716/D4716M
integral, adj—in geosynthetics, forming a necessary part of the whole; constituent. D4439
D4439 − 24
laboratory sample, n—a portion of material taken to represent the lot sample, or the original material, and used in the laboratory
as a source of test specime
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